Supporting all major operating systems, OpenVPN is a free, open-source encryption protocol used by a majority of VPN service providers. It is often best supported with a VPN server to connect to and provides strong security and connection. You can also create your own VPN server to maintain privacy on public networks.

Although it offers a dedicated VPN server for paid subscriptions, VPNBook has a free service that does not set any data caps and offers great privacy when paired with OpenVPN. The VPN server is ideal for those looking for privacy at no cost.

A free web proxy tool that requires no installations, Quickproxy can be used just by entering a URL into its search bar. You’ll access the website with a masked IP address and won’t need to install a VPN. It also blocks ads, which is a nice perk.

Panda is a free and lightweight antivirus that comes with some great features not included with other antivirus solutions. The program comes with malware removal, a file encryption tool, Wi-Fi protection, parental controls and other features you can use on your Mac, Windows PC or your iOS/Android phone.

Guerrilla Mail is a free tool does not require registration and it helps users by generating fake email addresses. It’s a convenient tool when a website requires email subscription before proceeding and you don’t want to give out your real one.

uBlock is a free ad-blocking extension for Firefox, Google Chrome, and Safari which is simple and easy to use. By blocking ads, the extension also prevents ad tracking software from collecting information on who’s viewing the advertisements.

I2P works by sending data through a network of relay servers so that the source of a web request is hidden in a way similar to a VPN. The service is free and is available on all major operating systems including Windows, Linux, Android and Mac OSX.

Tor, a popular anonymity network, offers all the features in the form of an independent web browser. When visiting websites with the free Tor Browser, all queries are automatically routed through the nearest server.

StartPage strips away any information that can be used to track you, it’s a convenient tool that doesn’t not information such as IP addresses or other online activities. It can be set as your default search page on browsers.

A simple comparison tool that allows you to compare up to three VPN service providers side by side to decide which one is the best fit for you. The comparison page is the ideal free tool for beginners.

Available for Windows and Android users, GlassWire is a great application that monitors your network, provides a decent firewall, and alerts you to any intrusions. The free program collects a lot of useful information that is presented to the user at a glance.

Available on Firefox, NoScript exists to stop plugins from running scripts unless you trust the site. The free tool can help prevent malicious attacks by such scripts by offering you a whitelist of trusted websites.

This particular tool allows users to check in real time if any websites are blockedin China, free of cost. The page simply asks you to enter any URL that is then tested to see if it passes the Great Firewall of China.

These tools – all FREE – are some of the most convenient privacy options out there and are sure to improve your privacy.